History of Topeka High School
Description
This is a walking tour of the history of Topeka High School from its establishment to its current day activities.
Topeka High School Patriotic Chimes Concert 2021
As you take this tour, please enjoy the sounds of Topeka High's unique 18-note Deagan Chime system. The recording is from the school's 20th annual Patriotic Chimes Concert, June 27, 2021 (THS Historical Society).
Established in 1871, Topeka High School is a public secondary school that serves grades 9-12. Topeka High School has a very rich history and has served hundreds of thousands of students. The high school is most well known both locally and nationally for its iconic Gothic style architecture, which includes its 165 foot bell tower. The sounds of the Topeka High's unique bell tower can be heard throughout downtown Topeka.
Topeka High's "Western Plaza" has become an important gathering place for students of Topeka High in recent decades. In recent years, the school has undertaken several beautification projects, including the creation of four murals by Topeka High School student Alessandra Chavez in 2018. The murals were funded by nine alumni who attended the school from 1941 to 1961.
Before becoming one of the most diverse schools in Topeka, Topeka High School (THS), like many schools, was segregated and barred Black students from participating in many school activities. From 1929 to 1949, the Ramblers gave students an opportunity to participate in basketball and play against other black students teams from the surrounding area (Kansas City, St. Joseph, Fort Scott, Leavenworth, Coffeyville, etc.).
Topeka High School (THS) has not always been located at its 800 SW 10th street address. The school has actually been housed at several different locations throughout Downtown Topeka as the school's population required more and more room. It was not until 1928 when Bishop James Wise of the Grace Episcopal Cathedral Church offered to sell some of the church's property that the THS would receive its iconic building and location.
Since 1931, the east side of Topeka High School has featured an original spar from the USS Constitution. The spar was brought to Topeka by alumni of the school, including U.S. Vice President Charles Curtis. Weather, wear, and the work of woodpeckers led to the first being replaced in 2004 by a spar that had also been utilized by the storied wooded ship. After being struck by lightning in 2007, a third spar was given to THS in 2008 as a replacement. The spar stands alongside a bell from the USS Topeka.